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Friday, February 27, 2015

I just finished a disappointing read from one of my favorite authors. In her defense, the book is advertised as a novella, but is meant to be a prequel to an upcoming release and not a stand-alone tale. I'm not a fan of prequels, and this one didn't improve my opinion. I'd probably give it three out of five stars.While I enjoyed the authors description of setting and wanted to love the heroine, I was a bit confused about the possible love interest. I usually fall for him right along with the heroine, but this time I kept wondering if he was meant to be a bad guy, or even an important one at all.This publication marks the beginning of Hedlund's foray into YA. While I didn't care for this short story, it wasn't enough to turn me away from reading her future works. I'm still anticipating her upcoming release of An Uncertain Choice in March. It will be a continuation about four years after "The Vow" takes place.I'm curious to see how the character will have matured, and am hopeful that I'll lose myself in that book as I have in all of this author's previous publications.Synopsis: In
this ebook historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds
herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings
begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While
in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it
include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and
oversee her parents’ lands? Then
Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and
her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could
change her future forever. – Goodreads

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

I recently finished reading Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the creative or business industry. I also encourage ANYONE in a leadership position of any kind to read this.

The philosophy and ideas presented by Catmull give you a glimpse into the success of Pixar. He also shares stories of the involvement and leadership styles of both Steve Jobs and John Lassiter. Equal parts of memoir, management theory, and creative encouragement, this book offers something for almost everyone.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Sign-ups for the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge are already under way (see previous post or click the link below for more information). If you have done it before, you know how much fun it can be, and if you have not, this is your chance to give it a try! You can sign up to participate here.

One of the most burning questions participants ask themselves every year is: "Should I have a theme?" Themes are not mandatory, but definitely fun. They let your visitors know what to expect, and help you create posts that line neatly up from A to Z. They also have an added bonus: They let you participate in a whole separate blogfest! Two years ago A to Z participant Mina Lobo started the "Theme Reveal," and sponsors thought it was such a great idea that they made it tradition. This year's theme reveal day will be on March 23, 2015.

To join the more than 200 people already signed up for this event, or to learn more, visit here.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at http://tossingitout.blogspot.com, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April - except Sundays. And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A,” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on.

You can use a theme for the month or go random – just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day.

The A to Z Challenge is a great way to get into the blogging habit and make new friends. For more details and its history, go HERE

There are already more than 600 participants signed up. Have you ever participated in this challenge before? Will you be participating this year?

Are you ready for the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2015 edition?

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Several of my friends have found themselves weighed down by rejections, and wonder if they should give up. DON"T!

We've all heard stories of now famous authors receiving dozens, if not hundreds, of rejections. Some of them took YEARS to see their work on shelves. Not familiar with them? Try these statistics on Best-Sellers Initially Rejected.

You're not alone. Don't Stop. Don't give up!

This week I'm working on book edits for two other authors, as well as editing a short story I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Oh, yeah, and I have TWO magazine articles that I need to finish.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. My household has been enjoying bouts of strep throat, ear infections, croup, and so forth. In light of that, I'm having trouble concentrating or getting much writing done lately. So instead, I've been reviewing some of my favorite "go to" books for writers:

About Me

Sylvia Ney is a freelance writer and teacher currently serving as a Board Member of both the Texas Gulf Coast Writers and Bayou Writers Group. She has published newspaper and magazine articles, photography, poetry, and short stories. She enjoys encouraging other writers.

Parallels

Followers

Now available in all ebook formats!

Jake Martin stops to rest at Sarah's farm. Her circumstances stir up memories for Jake, and force him to consider the type of life he lives. Can he change his ways or is he permanently broken? - A western short story.

Parallels: Felix Was Here

The connection is everything! Seventeen year-old David Masters has grown up in almost complete isolation, despised by those around him. He is smart, determined, and compassionate. Now, an act of terrorism threatens the lives of millions. Can David help the society who shunned his very existence? Or is all hope for humanity lost? Find out in “WIN”

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Sylvia shares "8 Steps to Creating a Media Kit" in this guide to publishing and beyond.

Reboot Your Life

Sylvia's story "Family of Rejects" can be found inside.

The Searcher

The Southern California Geanological Society published Sylvia's article "Homegrown Love" in the Spring 2014 issue of The Searcher.

Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors, Vol. II

Sylvia interviews author Tim O'Brien.

Just for Preteens

Read Sylvia's story "Feeding the Soul" in this support group preteens can carry in their backpack!

It's In The Gulf

Look for Sylvia's short story "Forgotten Memories" in this anthology. Proceeds go to support the GTWG and disaster relief funds.

The Times

Sylvia contributed articles and photos on the aftermath of hurricane Ike.

Windows of the Soul

Sylvia's poem "Secret Admirer" appears in this publication by the National Library of Poetry.